Have you ever brought home a beautiful pine tree, decorated it, and then watched with horror as it lost all of its pine needles within two weeks? If you prefer a real tree every Christmas, arm yourself with a little basic information before you come to the Christmas tree lot so you can choose a tree that works for needs — while avoiding the varieties that will infuriate you for weeks.
* Fraser fir: Mostly available in the eastern U.S., the Fraser fir has stiff branches to support heavy ornaments, smells pleasant, and will hold its needles throughout December with proper watering.
* Noble fir: Commonly sold west of the Rockies and in the Pacific Northwest, the Noble fir is comparable to the Fraser fir in terms of needle retention and stiff branches. Perfect for month-long display.
* Colorado blue spruce: Its silvery blue foliage is beautiful, but the Colorado blue spruce drops needles quickly after about two weeks. Purchase no earlier than mid-month, and don't get too attached to it — you'll want to take it down right after Christmas to avoid a huge mess. Available mostly in the Midwest, Great Lakes, and northeast regions.
* Leyland cypress: Popular in southern states, the Leyland cypress has a mild fragrance and thin branches that may not support heavy ornaments. Frequent watering is also necessary.
* White pine: With its long and soft needles, the white pine does best with lightweight ornaments, but offers excellent needle retention and works well in wreaths and other decorations. Available east of the Rockies.
* Monterey pine: Available mainly at tree farms in the Southwest, the fragrant Monterey pine's strong branches will support heavier ornaments. Generally unavailable as a pre-cut tree at retail locations.
Tip: Use plain water only to keep your tree hydrated after you bring it home, and avoid additives like molasses, aspirin, bleach, or commercial solutions that claim to boost needle retention. These additives can actually inhibit water absorption and make your tree dry out and lose needles faster.
Source: Real Christmas Tree Board
